Laura Claggett and Susanne Moeller have spent their summers participating in the Mental Health Association’s Elizabeth Perry Mental Health Career Program.  The Mental Health Association in Talbot County has benefited from the involvement of the interns in many ways—from showing interest in a field that needs aspiring young people, to observing their sincere interest in improving mental health awareness. The program teaches young interns the importance of mental health and educates them in the management of a non-profit health organization.

Throughout the summer, Laura Claggett visited local mental heath providers, such as Channel Marker, Eastern Shore Psychological, For All Seasons, Chesapeake Voyagers, and Eastern Shore Hospital Center. Also, she had open discussions about the field with several psychiatrists. Interacting one-on-one with the consumers of these services was the most “memorable and enjoyable” aspect of her internship according to Laura, who is thinking about entering the medical field.

Susanne, who is taking part in the program to add field experience to her nonprofit minor, explains that working at the association has confirmed her desire to continue involvement in nonprofits after she graduates in the spring. “It has been a very educational and rewarding internship,” she explained. During her hours at the association, Susanne learned the details of event planning, experienced grant writing, helped market education and prevention programs, and raised funds for mental health.  Susanne was informed of the far-reaching contributions that she has made to many families and individuals through her conscientious work.

Jeff Messing, President of the MHATC Board and former professor of psychology, is pleased with the interns’ contributions to the mission of the association. “With so many prevention and education programs in place this year, it has been an asset to have them, as well as to observe how the program has expanded their worlds. It has been rewarding to work with them. We predict that they will choose meaningful careers.”